Chapter: The Friday Prayer

The Friday congregational prayer is valid only in a major town that possesses a central mosque or in the town’s designated prayer ground; it is not permissible in villages. Nor may it be established except by the ruler or by one whom the ruler authorizes.

Among its conditions is that it be performed within its appointed time; it is valid when prayed then and invalid afterward.

Another condition is the sermon before the prayer. The imam delivers two sermons, separating them with a brief sitting. He preaches standing and in a state of ritual purity. If he limits himself to the remembrance of Allah alone, it is acceptable according to Abū Ḥanīfah.

Abū Yūsuf and Muḥammad maintain that a lengthy discourse worthy of the name “sermon” is indispensable; if he preaches while seated or without ritual purity, it is still valid though disliked.

A further condition is the congregation; the minimum number according to Abū Ḥanīfah is three others.